Waddesdon and the V&A Partner with Brian and Anna Haughton for Art Antiques London

LONDON.- This year the Waddesdon Masterclass is delighted to announce its partnership with Art Antiques London, the much-anticipated new art and antique fair launched by veteran fair organizers, Brian and Anna Haughton. Masterclass participants will have a chance to preview the fair in the company of Waddesdon curators before it opens to the public and a lucky fair visitor will win a place on the 2011 Masterclass. The Waddesdon Masterclass held from 7-8 June 2010 offers connoisseurs, as well as those eager to learn about Waddesdons fabulous collections, the opportunity to experience the house and its treasures in the manner of Baron Ferdinands house party guests in the 19thcentury. The two-day residential course is held while the house is closed to the public, the participants have exclusive access and attend sessions that are tailored to individual interests and led by Waddesdon curators. Fine dining and accommodation in the Manor itself complete this unique experience.

WaddesdonThis renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The Victorian garden is considered one of the finest in Britain with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary. At its heart lies the aviary, stocked with species once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection. The last member of the Rothschild family to own Waddesdon was James de Rothschild. He bequeathed the house and its contents to the National Trust in 1957. Today, following an extensive restoration, it is administered by a Rothschild charitable trust that is overseen by Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild. In 200708 it was the National Trust's second most visited paid-entry property, with 386,544 visitors.

The Victoria and Albert Museum and Art Antiques LondonAn Exclusive Invitation to the much-anticipated Ceramics Gallery Phase II Opening: A substantial lead gift from the Headley Trust is generously supporting the redevelopment of the Ceramics galleries at the V&A. This two-phased refurbishment project will create the most important national and international centre for the enjoyment, understanding and study of ceramics and a collection that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. The new galleries include a major new introductory gallery, presenting a 'world history' of ceramics, highlighting connections between ceramics of different cultures and periods. Another major gallery is devoted to ceramic materials and techniques, and there are smaller rooms for temporary exhibitions, changing displays of international contemporary ceramics, and the study collections of 20th century pottery and architectural ceramics. The first phase is now open.

Phase II of the V&A Ceramics Galleries will open on 8 June, purposefully coinciding with Art Antiques London. Visitors to Art Antiques London will have a unique opportunity to see the new V&A Galleries at a special pre-opening viewing, ahead of the public opening. Fairgoers holding an Art Antiques London ticket will have access to the new V&A Ceramics Galleries as part of the Members Preview Day on Wednesday 9 June (10 am- 5.30pm).

Art Antiques London is a must-see event for new and veteran collectors alike. Offering a marriage of quality and style, the fair will bring together leading dealers in their respective fields, presenting a range of the very finest words of art. From the traditional collecting fields through to contemporary, every piece will be vetted for quality and authenticity. Held in a custom-built marquee in Kensington Gardens which provides a beautiful backdrop to one of the most exciting and glamorous art and antiques fairs ever held in London.